It feels like we've been talking about Windows 8 forever and to such a degree that it's sometimes hard to believe it isn't even out yet. In fact, some people have been running the RTM or preview release for months, and companies like AMD, NVIDIA and Intel have stepped up to the plate well in advance of the official launch to release supported drivers. Thanks to this resounding support, we can hope Windows 8 will be become a problem-free launch - but does that matter to you?

I avoid early MS releases like the plague. Windows 8 has a ton of retoolings, and retoolings always mean 1) Unoptimized code, and 2) security vulnerabilities. Granted, I may just try it out...my windows install took a shit recently so I have been meaning to reinstall anyways. But in general, I tend to cringe and avoid unless curiosity gets the better of me.

Per the article: Am I planning to upgrade to Windows 8 once it's available? Nope. Why/why not? No need to. Windows 7 works very well for me indeed, and buying something new to replace something that works makes no sense to me.

Could I eventually change my mind about Win8 and adopt it in the future? Sure. Anything is possible. But at this point, would I want to PAY for it? Absolutely not. Not when I've already paid for Win7 and have no problems with it.

Question: What would make you want to "upgrade" operating systems as and when they first come out? I've only jumped on a new OS bandwagon once, and that was when Win7 came out. Granted, I'd been on WinXP at the time, so I was happy to move on to DX11. Didn't get Win7 on launch day, but definitely did months before SP1 was issued.

I am a sucker for new things... I upgrade most often even if I don't "need" to. I just like knowing I have the most up-to-date OS (this goes for Linux also) possible. Now, if I couldn't get past the Start page, and it bothered me enough, that right there would cause me to back off and sit out a release for once.

As for jumping on an OS right at launch, I think the risk is far smaller than it used to be. It's never been common for Microsoft to detail every little thing before launch, much less get a beta into the hands of common folk early. There's a huge difference between how MS rolled-out Vista and then 7, and 7 turned out to be a winner.

Windows 8 has been beta tested for what... six months or perhaps even more. Then there's the fact that the OS in its current form has been complete since August. Even many companies offered drivers for it at that time. As it is now with my own installation, I haven't run into a single roadblock that I'd expect to with a new OS launch. Whether or not everyone will find themselves in that position, I'm not sure.

If it wasn't for the fact that you have to re-learn the OS (really? They need to hide the power button from the users?) and them being determined that you're going to use a touch inspired interface whether you want to or not, 8 wouldn't be a bad OS. I know when I installed in on the VM Ware on this PC that it installed very quickly and worked well, I just hate (HATE!) the interface. I'll stick to 7 until they either fix 8 or come out with an OS that's more traditional.

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If the automobile had followed the same development cycle as the computer, a Rolls-Royce would today cost $100, get a million miles per gallon, and explode once a year, killing everyone inside. --Robert X. Cringely, InfoWorld magazine

I will probably be forced into Windows 8 despite my many complaints about it. Let's be clear I don't agree with the UI philosophy, so my relationship with this OS is as bad as it can get. I trust the UI principles that we have been sharing since Windows 95 have been particularly beneficial to everyone involved. Computers today are used by everyone, whether you are 8 or 80.

Metro UI philosophy is borrowed from tablet OSes and the ideas behind touch interfaces. It seems great for tablets and people with touchscreens who won't go into a world of muscle pain from using a touchscreen while seated on a desk the entire day. Metro UI is horrible for anyone else and completely unnecessary.

However I'm a software developer. And I'm in an particular bad position since I'm on the verge of starting a software development company of my own. I cannot ignore Windows 8, particularly because it includes a specific development framework that needs to be studied, learned and eventually programmed against.

But buying that offensive piece of crap? No. I'll get it from my MSDN account. And I cannot possibly see me ever using it as my home operating system. Windows 7 will remain so. My only hope is that Windows 8 fumbles and the world goes back to be a normal place.

Per the article: Am I planning to upgrade to Windows 8 once it's available? Nope. Why/why not? No need to. Windows 7 works very well for me indeed, and buying something new to replace something that works makes no sense to me.

I agree, Windows 7 is one sweet OS, but I still find Windows 8 to have its charm, but not enough to replace Windows 7.

Newegg was selling Windows 8 Pro upgrade for $30 (10 off) as early as two weeks ago. I didn't pre-order it then, so I certainly wouldn't buy it now. The price is attractive, but the OS certainly is not. Once the user installs the usual array of programs the start screen and program listings will be cluttered as ****. Even the old-fashioned programs menu had better organization by grouping all software under the publisher's title / name.

So example, one would have a single folder for "Adobe". Under Windows 8, the user will see six or more icons for every single piece of cruddy Adobe software, such as the AIR, updater, and others. Microsoft Office is another program... instead of an Office folder, users get to see every singel installed office program, including those they never use. I don't see how removing folders and just dumping their contents into a single screen is more "organized", or efficient.